Change is the only constant thing in life. I've learned to like it even though sometimes it's hard. This blog is about adapting to changes and seeing things differently. I guess my wish is for readers to see value in taking the 'risk' of changing, for the better, and maybe contribute towards their courage trying it :)

Friday, November 30, 2012

With Or Without You

When I first heard U2's song, I didn't get it. I couldn't find a use case. I couldn't create a scenario where the lyrics would make sense completely. It would make sense in some ways but then the logic would crumble somewhere in the chorus. "I can't live with or without you" just didn't click with me.

Eventually, I learned the true meaning of the song while reading one of Bono's interviews. If I remember correctly, it was about the band. I have since formulated my own interpretation (both logical and musical) of the song and played it probably a couple hundred times.

In the creation of my favourite cover, I lost sight of what the song meant to me at some point. It's always hard to remember that kind of thing when you play a song over and over.

To me, the song is about expectations. About trying hard to meet them, and failing. About giving more than you receive to a point where it's unclear whether going on or giving up will be more productive. And finally, it's about accepting the fact that these expectations will remain unsatisfied and working past it. I'd be curious to know how you relate to the song.

Anyway, here are the lyrics to refresh your memory. Apparently not everyone remembers lyrics. I have a strange ability to remember lyrics despite myself (even the songs I hate...) and sometimes forget that it's only me.

Comments about the video are welcome too. One of these days I might actually do a proper produced version of this.

See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
And I wait here for you

Slight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails you make me wait
And I wait without you
With or without you
With or without you

Through the storm we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give And you give
And you give yourself away

My hands are tied
My body's bruised you got me with
Nothing to win and nothing left to lose

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give And you give
And you give yourself away

Oh Oh Oh Oh

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you